Q: Hello doctor, my man and I are HIV positive. We got married last year. My man has been on anti-retroviral drugs but I am not because my DC4 count is still above 500. I took in last two months and since then, the doctors at the General Hospital have been on strike. I went to a maternity hospital and was given ARV combination that contains Lamivudine, Nevirapine and Zidovudine (3-in-1) to protect my baby. Since I started taking this drug, I always have constant fever and headaches. Some nurses at the General Hospital in Abuja here said Nevirapine is not to be taken by a pregnant woman while some said I should have waited till after the first trimester.

Please Doctor, help me and my baby out. I sincerely don’t want to infect him or her.

A: Thanks for writing in.

I am sorry to hear about the challenges you’re having with your anti-retroviral drugs (drugs used for treating the HIV infection). Indeed, being HIV positive does not mean that you cannot have a baby who is HIV free.

Nevirapine can be used in pregnancy. You told me that your CD4 count is less than 500 but I don’t know what the precise count is. People who have CD4 counts greater than or equal to 250 are more at risk of the side effects of Nevirapine which may include effects on the liver. Indeed, people who already had liver problems, irrespective of CD4 counts are better off without Nevirapine. The doctor will most likely use an alternative drug. Generally, women in the first trimester that really do not require treatment to be instituted immediately can have anti-retroviral drugs delayed until the second trimester. However, at all times, the drugs used or not used and when used, are always balanced on a scale of potential benefits versus potential side effects.

 Some of the side effects of Nevirapine include persistent headaches and fever (as you have reported), muscle aches, weight loss, numbness and tingling of hands, feet, arms etc. The fever may be signify the onset of other complications. Please stop the medication and speak to your doctor immediately about your symptoms. He will advice on the best way forward after reviewing your symptoms and condition.

Given the doctors’ strike, if you do not have access to your doctor, please check out any of the treatment centers for HIV/AIDS. Gede Foundation in Abuja (near BPE) is one such center and I have included the details here for you:

Gede Foundation

Zaria Close,

Off Danube Crescent Maitama, Abuja.

Please get there today or tomorrow morning to ensure that you and your baby are equally safe.

Be sure to network with other people living with HIV/AIDS and get more information on organizations that support treatment and provide information on a regular basis. I will commit to getting more information and passing across to you via this page and personal messages to you, as often as possible.

Keep your chin up and remain strong.

Keep me posted as to what’s going on.

Lots of love…

Good night everyone and Happy Celebrations to the muslims tomorrow and next. Please post my ram on this page 😀